December 15, 2008 — The new Federal Employee Program (FEP) benefits for 2009 have recently been released. Prior to 2009, DCs were considered “physicians” under FEP. With the new benefits for 2009, FEP has reclassified DCs and now considers DCs to be “Other Covered Health Care Professionals – Professionals who provide additional covered services and meet the state’s applicable licensing or certification requirements and the requirements of the Local Plan.”
ACA has serious concerns with this reclassification and has been in contact with the National Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association regarding this change. ACA also remains in contact with its general counsel throughout these discussions and will consider all options to protect the status of doctors of chiropractic under FEP.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.amerchiro.org